Hesselbach – Auf dem weiten Feld

Hesselbach – Auf dem weiten Feld is a winch-launch flatland site at about 475 m, flyable in easterly or westerly wind, run on land approved for flying under a forest-conversion agreement — which comes with real limits on what can be built or changed there. No levelling, excavation, parking areas, paved access, shelters or other structures are allowed on the plots, and existing paths can't be widened or trees removed. The landing field has to stay in its normal agricultural use, and the launch field can be mown or grazed as usual, but not cut beyond what farming or safe flying actually requires. Anything set up for flight safety on the day — barriers, wind gauges, warning signs — has to come down again by evening. Flying can start no earlier than two hours after sunrise and must stop by 20:00, and hikers and other visitors must always be able to use the area freely. Because this is a protected landscape area, pilots and the operator have to check for protected birds, bats and other wildlife before flying and keep noise (including winch-motor running time) to a minimum. Both hang gliders (minimum restricted license) and paragliders can train here, including basic ground training at the winch.

Local rules & hazards

Flying is only permitted from two hours after sunrise until 20:00, and equipment set up for the flying day (barriers, wind gauges, signage) must be removed again each evening. The site sits in a protected landscape area, so pilots must check for protected birds, bats and other wildlife before flying and keep noise, including winch-motor running time, to a minimum; the site holder briefs pilots on these conditions.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Hesselbach – Auf dem weiten Feld, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Hesselbach – Auf dem weiten Feld with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.